Surprise guest for South Devon Railway’s 150th celebrations

At the South Devon Railway’s (SDR) 150th-anniversary celebrations this weekend, from 30th April to 2nd May, Prairie tank No 4555 will be the surprise star guest.

Built at Swindon in 1924, 4555 was the first locomotive to arrive on the then Dart Valley Railway in 1965. The railway had planned that Severn Valley Railway-based former Port Talbot Railway 0-6-0 saddle tank locomotive No.813 would take centre stage.

Unfortunately, it has suffered a failure forcing its withdrawal, and 4555 has been drafted in as a late replacement.

During the celebrations, an intensive train service will operate, including auto trains, goods trains, a BR set, and a GWR set. 4555 will haul the GWR set, which includes ‘Clerestory’ saloon 9044 which was built in 1881 and is believed to be the oldest surviving GWR bogie coach in existence.

RS 4555 stretchford — Credit: South Devon Railway

Originally used as a family saloon; 9044 has supposedly seen passengers who include King Edward VII, then Prince of Wales, and opera singer Madame Patti. In 1936 it was converted to a Civil Engineers Saloon for use by officers of the Great Western Railway and then British Railways until it was withdrawn in the 1960s. It was restored to use in 2013, and has since operated on special days from its home on the Bodmin and Wenford Railway in Cornwall.

Actors in Victorian dress will be touring the railway, storytelling and recounting the history of the line since its construction in 1872, when it was built under the guidance of Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

Severn Estuary rope work header image (1)

A Corsican pine (Pinus nigra), each with a commemorative plaque, is to be planted at all of the railway’s stations at Buckfastleigh, Staverton, and Totnes Riverside. These trees were a familiar site at stations of the former GWR who regularly planted them across the West Country.

To provide cover for East Somerset Railway services, where 4555 is on long-term hire, SDR-based Pannier Tank L92 (GWR 0-6-0 5786 currently in London Transport guise), which was not planned to be in use during the 150th anniversary gala, will be heading to Cranmore for one weekend only.

South Devon Railway general manager, Ernest Elsworth-Wilson, said: “We are delighted the East Somerset Railway and the Dartmouth Steam Railway have agreed to our hire of 4555. It is very sad that 813 has failed and news that it would not be available led to a frenetic, but ultimately successful search for a replacement!

“This promises to be a fantastic event, celebrating 150 years since the railway opened. There will be lots happening and we are very hopeful that many visitors will be dressing up in Victorian clothing to help us celebrate this important milestone in our history.’